Top-quality, Numbers Matching Example

Complete Meticulous Ground-up Restoration

Impeccable Fly Yellow Exterior Finish

Beautifully Restored Black Leather Interior

Documented Ownership History and Low Mileage

Factory Air-Conditioning, Power Windows

Original Manuals, Massini Report, Jack and Toolkit

One of the Finest Examples in Existence and Available
 

Unveiled at Paris during 1968, the 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta gained its unofficial Daytona name while still a prototype, in honor of Ferraris stunning podium sweep at the 24-hour race there in 1967. Now, as when new, the 365 GTB/4 remains the ultimate expression of the classic front-engine V-12 Ferrari GT concept, with its lean and aggressive Scaglietti-built body universally acknowledged as one of Pininfarinas finest designs. Balance and handling characteristics were impeccable, aided by the Daytonas rear transaxle. Universally acclaimed as one of the fastest exotic cars available when new, the Daytona excelled in all disciplines. While intended primarily as a fast road car without racing pretensions, the 365 GTB/4 was a winner on the track long after production had ended, scoring a class victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1979. The Daytona was an important "production" model for Ferrari, with experts citing 1,383 examples constructed from 1968 to 1974, plus 121 open Daytona Spiders. Declared the best sports car in the world" by Road & Track magazine in 1970, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona is simply a necessary component of any serious sports-car collection today.

Numbered 14279 and carrying very well-documented history, this USA-model 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona was delivered new to the United States via Modern Classic Motors, as documented in Hilary A. Raab, Jr.s Ferrari Serial Numbers: Part I. Interestingly, it was only sold new in February 1975 by Francisco Mir, the Ferrari dealer for Santa Monica, California. It remained in California until the 1990s, when it was sold to Texas. It would remain there until 2002, when it was sold as part of a package of racing cars and several Ferrari models to a Californian owner, who had the car professionally restored from 2003 to 2006, with the job coordinated by, and mechanical work performed at, Rod Drews F.A.I. in Costa Mesa. Post-restoration, the Daytona was sold to a noted private collector with multiple Pebble Beach Concours dElegance wins to his credit, who had 14279 shipped to British Columbia, Canada in April 2007 and registered there. In 2008, the current owner, a fastidious and discerning collector, purchased the Daytona and placed it into his private collection, which is regarded as one of the finest anywhere.

Presented in striking Fly Yellow paint over black leather upholstery, 14279 is clearly well-maintained and virtually impeccable throughout. Featuring a laser-straight body with excellent panel gaps and gleaming brightwork, the Daytona rides on an equally nice chassis with attention to detail in full evidence. New leather upholstery and the mouse hair dash treatment were correctly fitted and remain inviting. Desirable passenger amenities include air-conditioning, a Becker AM/FM-cassette radio unit, and power window lifts. Underhood resides the original Tipo 251 V-12 engine, nicely and selectively upgraded with P6-grind cams and Euro-specification headers. Producing approximately 400 horsepower, it delivers outstanding acceleration and overall performance with a Comp Daytona-type 3.90:1 axle ratio and nine-inch rear wheels, with new Michelin XWX radial tires mounted all around. As offered, the Daytona benefits from a fresh and full professional service and all systems are reported in working order, including the air-conditioning. Current mileage stands at fewer than 35,400 miles at the time of cataloguing. As expected, items included with the sale of 14279 include the original manuals, roadside jack, and toolkit. As the last front-engine, V-12 Ferrari model from the classic Enzo Ferrari era, the 365 GTB/4 stands proudly as one of the most aggressive, yet beautifully styled and best-performing road cars ever to pass through the gates of Maranello. An immensely desirable, top-quality example, this 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta will certainly make a true blue chip addition to any proper collection of sporting icons and deliver an incomparable ownership experience in all respects.